Intoxicated policeman found in church

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. -- A Leavenworth police officer is off suspension after he was found a couple of weeks ago trespassing inside a church while intoxicated, according to a department spokesman.

By John Richmeier

A Leavenworth police officer is off suspension after he was found a couple of weeks ago trespassing inside a church while intoxicated, according to a department spokesman.

Leavenworth Police Chief Lee Doehring did not release the name of the officer involved, citing personnel reasons.

The incident was reported to authorities about 2:30 a.m. July 8 at the First Baptist Church, 340 N. 13th St.

The Rev. Randall Terrill was contacted by an alarm company for the church. At that time, the pastor reportedly observed a man standing outside the church.

But “he lost sight of him,” Doehring said.

The alarm company called again a short time later to report the alarm had been triggered a second time. Police were contacted.

Officers arrived and checked the perimeter of the building. After finding a door unlocked, police searched the building and found a man inside. Doehring said they almost immediately identified the man as an off-duty officer.

“He was on the floor intoxicated,” Doehring said.

The man was taken into custody but not officially arrested, according to the chief.

Police found no one else inside the church. Doehring said nothing was damaged and there didn’t appear to be anything missing from the church.

Apparently panic bars were being placed on exterior doors at the church and the pastor thought workers forgot to lock the door the officer used to get inside.

Doehring said police initiated a criminal investigation and an internal investigation.

Doehring said the pastor consulted with church elders, and “they elected that they did not want to prosecute the matter."

Part of the internal investigation involved an examination of what led to the incident. Doehring said the off-duty officer had gone out with friends and consumed too much alcohol.

At some point, he wandered off a few blocks from the group of friends and ended up in the church.

“His actions did violate several rules and regulations of the city and the department,” Doehring said, including conduct unbecoming an officer.

The chief said he imposed serious disciplinary action but did not terminate the officer.

Doehring said he looked at the officer’s history. Doehring said the three-year veteran of the department had not had any similar incidents.

Doehring said he also tried to determine whether there had been malicious intent or the officer made a stupid decision.

The chief said he believes the incident was an isolated event for the officer who showed “extremely poor judgment.”

Doehring said the officer received a suspension without pay, a transfer in assignment and was required to personally apologize to the pastor.

Prior to his disciplinary hearing, the officer sought out alcohol counseling, Doehring said.

From talking with the officer, Doehring said he knows the man is extremely embarrassed and remorseful.